I ordered takeout, three slices of raw beef and two slices of brisket. The portions of the small pieces of meat were very small! ! ! There is an amazing amount of chopped green onions! The soup tastes good but overall the portion is too small! It feels like the merchant accidentally dropped the meat into the soup.
Ernest Wong
Very nice place, tasty food.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
Amanda S.
Came here on a Saturday night for a pho fix with my husband around 6:30-7pm. It wasn't full or empty, so we got seated right away. There's a tv in our nook to watch football so my husband appreciated it. We had cha goi (fried egg rolls), pho, and garlic noodles with chicken. The fried rolls were good as it came with noodles and veggies to wrap with. The pho was also solid, but the garlic noodles disappointed me a lot. The noodles were all stuck together and not in separate strands, and overcooked as it was very soft and mushy. Chicken lacked flavor as well :( better to stick to other dishes next time but service was friendly, though. Around $20 per person for the three dishes.
Edward Tung
Outside of San Jose, it is very hard to find good Vietnamese food. This place is one of the few exceptions and we drive past five other Vietnamese restaurants that are much closer to us to come eat at this place.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Laksa, Grilled Prawns with Grilled Pork Vermicelli, Grilled Pork Vermicelli, Crab Meat and Tomato Noodle Soup
Anna F.
I was craving a hot bowl of noodles in soup and Pho Café was 15 minutes away from my hotel. I got there a little after 8:30pm and was seated right away in an empty restaurant. Since I knew they were closing soon, I looked at the menu really quickly and placed an order with the waiter. I got the combination beef pho and egg rolls. They give a small portion of bean sprouts and basil. I was dining with 3 people, and I feel like other pho restaurants are more generous with their bean sprouts and basil. Anyways, my pho and egg rolls came out fast and it was hot temperature wise. The pho hit the spot and warmed me up. There was nothing fancy about the food and I just needed it to satisfy that craving. I don't think I'd be able to find this restaurant again since the GPS may have taken me on a longer route. I was driving in the residential area, and it was dark.
Connie Chen
For the price, food is great. Pho broth could be more concentrated and have more flavor. Banh mi is delicious but not necessarily cheap.Parking: There's a free parking lot but it's always very full
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Combo Beef Pho
Lulu Li
I ordered the "crab meat and tomato soup" which I've never heard of before but is incredibly good!
Jack R.
Food looks larger than it really is.So we got the large beef pho, pork with fried eggroll and noodles, and a vietnamese coffee.The pho looked super big, but when you start eating it, you realize how shallow it really is. See the picture attached.Here's the thing, the pho wasn't that great. Mostly, the soup tasted oily and watery to me, the beef was chewy, and I felt that it lacked the richness of a well made broth. The grilled pork was good/decent, the eggroll was lukewarm like it had been sitting there for a while, and the vietnamese coffee with condensed milk needed more condensed milk.Service was more like self serve. She wasn't interested in helping and I even had to walk up to pay the bill.To go boxes are extra, and judging by the sign outside it looks like this place will switch businesses to become a Japanese place in the near future due to lack of business.
Miriam Becx
Amerikanen zijn blijkbaar gewoon snel tevreden. Hier krijgen restaurants al gauw 4 sterren of hoger. Voor Nederlandse begrippen zou ik het net een zesje geven. Bediening was vriendelijk, maar echt lekker gegeten hebben we zeker niet. Witte rijst zonder lekkere kruidige saus. Kip was wel oké, maar ook niet meer dan dat. Paar bladeren van een kool erbij en dat was het. Verwacht hier vooral maagvulling en geen echte lekkere Aziatische maaltijd. Buurt is ook niet gezellig.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 2
Service: 4
Connie C.
Thank goodness for Pho Cafe and its proximity to my home. There's really nothing else in Daly City so Pho Cafe is a lifesaver! I've been here with my partner probably 4 times at this point, and each time we leave feeling full and satisfied without breaking the bank. It's a pretty unassuming place, but clean and organized.We typically order #1, which is $13 for a regular size and $15 for a large. For the price, the value is really good. A generous portion of noodles and meat. My only gripe is that the broth is not as rich and full-flavored as some other pho places I've had. One time we went, the broth was extremely fatty like it hadn't been strained which was obviously distracting. I could also use more bean sprouts and lime than they give. Overall can't complain though, decent bowl of pho.I also really love the #1 banh mi ($10). I love that they load it up with carrots and radish, but it could use more cilantro and cucumber. I do love the pate and whatever shrimp paste or salty goodness they use. Soooo good, especially on soft warm bread.Service is friendly and prompt. Parking can be a struggle in this lot so make someone else drive. I will definitely be coming back when the craving hits, approximately once every 2 weeks.
Love this place! Service still friendly. The food is good. Never too busy (Why is that? They deserve more!). My favorite pho restaurant in the area.
Eugene Velychko
Got food poisoning after eating pho and spring rolls, won’t come
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 2
Service: 5
Mike L.
Maybe it's just me (read: it probably is just me), but I always seem to forget this complex exists, let alone what businesses call this area home. In my defense, it's not exactly close to where I live, but I can also count on my hand the number of times I've been here before midnight. Sorry, but I've never had much of a reason to come out here, unless it's to bowl at Classic! That is, until my friend uttered the words "really good laksa". After that, you can bet we wasted no time in coming out here to check out Pho Cafe!Now, as a couple of other Yelpers have already mentioned, Pho Cafe is a bit of a hole in the wall. Squeezed in between a small boba shop and a dim sum restaurant, the space isn't all that big. However, unlike the rest of the plaza, which looks a bit dated and worn, the inside of this place looks rather clean and new(ish). The menu is also decently interesting, though it does betray their name in that their pho options aren't very extensive. That being said, they aren't necessarily lacking in variety, as there's still a decent mix of apps, salads, vermicelli bowls, rice plates, and banh mi to choose from.-- (#8) FRIED EGG ROLLS (4pcs)...$9.25(yelp.com/biz_photos/pho-…)Not amazing, but not bad either. On the plus side, the rolls were crispy, not overly oily, and perfectly golden brown. On the other, I wish the rolls were bigger/plumper and that the filling was more flavorful, as these weren't all that filling.-- (#4) LAKSA with Vermicelli Noodles...$15.95 (Regular)(yelp.com/biz_photos/pho-…)My friend recommended this to me and I have to say...it was surprisingly solid! This thing was so chockful of seafood (shrimp, fish balls, fish cake, etc.), it threw off the ratio of goodies to noodles. I just wish the soup had a bit more coconut milk and sambal, as it felt a little on the thin and mild side.-- (#10) GRILLED PORK ROLLS (4pcs)...$9.25(yelp.com/biz_photos/pho-…)Like the imperial rolls, these were also kind of small, but better. The veggies were really fresh, but I wish was more pork inside. In part because there was only one piece in each roll, but also because it was just so juicy and flavorful!-- (#1) COMBINATION PHO with Well Done Flank, Rare Beef Steak, and Beef Balls...$13 (Regular)(yelp.com/biz_photos/pho-…)Not bad, but I disagree with the claim that it's one of the best out there. The noodles are well cooked (though there wasn't much), and there is a good amount of meat, but the broth didn't have much depth to it, was a little fatty, and had a hit of acidity (not bad per se, but certainly unexpected).-- (#32) GRILLED PORK & FRIED EGG RICE PLATE...$15(yelp.com/biz_photos/pho-…)Rather underwhelming, to be honest. I came back one last time just for this based on how much I liked the pork roll and I was left wanting (literally). The pork was still decently tasty, but the portion was really light. Plus, I didn't care much for the random pile of boiled cabbage...Beyond the food, Pho Cafe actually has quite a few things going for it. The staff is very friendly, they always seem to have tables free, and parking in the lot is easy (at night, at least). Yet, their most appealing feature just might be their late night hours, as they're open until 10pm on Fridays and Saturdays (9:30pm on other nights). Which isn't necessarily a huge deal in and of itself, but great when considering how there aren't a ton of options around here, let alone ones that stay open past 9pm.All in all, while I wouldn't make a point of coming out here, I wouldn't object to coming back to Pho Cafe if my friends and I were already out this way or looking for a bite before hitting the lanes at Classic. Personally, while I can see why folks like this place (they do a ton of to-go business), as well as an argument for rounding up, I'm rounding down from THREE AND A HALF STARS for now.
G C
Food is just ok. Not great for the price.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 4
Holly L.
My goodness, the laksa vermicelli soup was the star. This savory coconut-based spicy seafood soup was delicious and hit the spot. The fresh spring rolls were also delightful, and the broth for the beef pho was on point. Service is attentive and quick. Our server kept calling us "honey" -- reminded me of an endearing mom. The ambiance is your typical mom and pop pho shop. The decor doesn't match, but does it matter? Also, you know this is a legit pho place if the menu is full of misspelled items, and so I was pleased to see that on the menu. No pretentious stuff. Parking is plentiful, but I don't know what it is about this parking lot area that makes people consistently speed or drive very inconsiderately. One star down for the size of the to-go cup for the three color dessert drink. It's so tiny compared to the size you get from dining in and it's the same price.
I ordered takeout, three slices of raw beef and two slices of brisket. The portions of the small pieces of meat were very small! ! ! There is an amazing amount of chopped green onions! The soup tastes good but overall the portion is too small! It feels like the merchant accidentally dropped the meat into the soup.
Very nice place, tasty food.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
Came here on a Saturday night for a pho fix with my husband around 6:30-7pm. It wasn't full or empty, so we got seated right away. There's a tv in our nook to watch football so my husband appreciated it. We had cha goi (fried egg rolls), pho, and garlic noodles with chicken. The fried rolls were good as it came with noodles and veggies to wrap with. The pho was also solid, but the garlic noodles disappointed me a lot. The noodles were all stuck together and not in separate strands, and overcooked as it was very soft and mushy. Chicken lacked flavor as well :( better to stick to other dishes next time but service was friendly, though. Around $20 per person for the three dishes.
Outside of San Jose, it is very hard to find good Vietnamese food. This place is one of the few exceptions and we drive past five other Vietnamese restaurants that are much closer to us to come eat at this place.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Laksa, Grilled Prawns with Grilled Pork Vermicelli, Grilled Pork Vermicelli, Crab Meat and Tomato Noodle Soup
I was craving a hot bowl of noodles in soup and Pho Café was 15 minutes away from my hotel. I got there a little after 8:30pm and was seated right away in an empty restaurant. Since I knew they were closing soon, I looked at the menu really quickly and placed an order with the waiter. I got the combination beef pho and egg rolls. They give a small portion of bean sprouts and basil. I was dining with 3 people, and I feel like other pho restaurants are more generous with their bean sprouts and basil. Anyways, my pho and egg rolls came out fast and it was hot temperature wise. The pho hit the spot and warmed me up. There was nothing fancy about the food and I just needed it to satisfy that craving. I don't think I'd be able to find this restaurant again since the GPS may have taken me on a longer route. I was driving in the residential area, and it was dark.
For the price, food is great. Pho broth could be more concentrated and have more flavor. Banh mi is delicious but not necessarily cheap.Parking: There's a free parking lot but it's always very full
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Combo Beef Pho
I ordered the "crab meat and tomato soup" which I've never heard of before but is incredibly good!
Food looks larger than it really is.So we got the large beef pho, pork with fried eggroll and noodles, and a vietnamese coffee.The pho looked super big, but when you start eating it, you realize how shallow it really is. See the picture attached.Here's the thing, the pho wasn't that great. Mostly, the soup tasted oily and watery to me, the beef was chewy, and I felt that it lacked the richness of a well made broth. The grilled pork was good/decent, the eggroll was lukewarm like it had been sitting there for a while, and the vietnamese coffee with condensed milk needed more condensed milk.Service was more like self serve. She wasn't interested in helping and I even had to walk up to pay the bill.To go boxes are extra, and judging by the sign outside it looks like this place will switch businesses to become a Japanese place in the near future due to lack of business.
Amerikanen zijn blijkbaar gewoon snel tevreden. Hier krijgen restaurants al gauw 4 sterren of hoger. Voor Nederlandse begrippen zou ik het net een zesje geven. Bediening was vriendelijk, maar echt lekker gegeten hebben we zeker niet. Witte rijst zonder lekkere kruidige saus. Kip was wel oké, maar ook niet meer dan dat. Paar bladeren van een kool erbij en dat was het. Verwacht hier vooral maagvulling en geen echte lekkere Aziatische maaltijd. Buurt is ook niet gezellig.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 2
Service: 4
Thank goodness for Pho Cafe and its proximity to my home. There's really nothing else in Daly City so Pho Cafe is a lifesaver! I've been here with my partner probably 4 times at this point, and each time we leave feeling full and satisfied without breaking the bank. It's a pretty unassuming place, but clean and organized.We typically order #1, which is $13 for a regular size and $15 for a large. For the price, the value is really good. A generous portion of noodles and meat. My only gripe is that the broth is not as rich and full-flavored as some other pho places I've had. One time we went, the broth was extremely fatty like it hadn't been strained which was obviously distracting. I could also use more bean sprouts and lime than they give. Overall can't complain though, decent bowl of pho.I also really love the #1 banh mi ($10). I love that they load it up with carrots and radish, but it could use more cilantro and cucumber. I do love the pate and whatever shrimp paste or salty goodness they use. Soooo good, especially on soft warm bread.Service is friendly and prompt. Parking can be a struggle in this lot so make someone else drive. I will definitely be coming back when the craving hits, approximately once every 2 weeks.
Restaurantji Recommends
Love this place! Service still friendly. The food is good. Never too busy (Why is that? They deserve more!). My favorite pho restaurant in the area.
Got food poisoning after eating pho and spring rolls, won’t come
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 2
Service: 5
Maybe it's just me (read: it probably is just me), but I always seem to forget this complex exists, let alone what businesses call this area home. In my defense, it's not exactly close to where I live, but I can also count on my hand the number of times I've been here before midnight. Sorry, but I've never had much of a reason to come out here, unless it's to bowl at Classic! That is, until my friend uttered the words "really good laksa". After that, you can bet we wasted no time in coming out here to check out Pho Cafe!Now, as a couple of other Yelpers have already mentioned, Pho Cafe is a bit of a hole in the wall. Squeezed in between a small boba shop and a dim sum restaurant, the space isn't all that big. However, unlike the rest of the plaza, which looks a bit dated and worn, the inside of this place looks rather clean and new(ish). The menu is also decently interesting, though it does betray their name in that their pho options aren't very extensive. That being said, they aren't necessarily lacking in variety, as there's still a decent mix of apps, salads, vermicelli bowls, rice plates, and banh mi to choose from.-- (#8) FRIED EGG ROLLS (4pcs)...$9.25(yelp.com/biz_photos/pho-…)Not amazing, but not bad either. On the plus side, the rolls were crispy, not overly oily, and perfectly golden brown. On the other, I wish the rolls were bigger/plumper and that the filling was more flavorful, as these weren't all that filling.-- (#4) LAKSA with Vermicelli Noodles...$15.95 (Regular)(yelp.com/biz_photos/pho-…)My friend recommended this to me and I have to say...it was surprisingly solid! This thing was so chockful of seafood (shrimp, fish balls, fish cake, etc.), it threw off the ratio of goodies to noodles. I just wish the soup had a bit more coconut milk and sambal, as it felt a little on the thin and mild side.-- (#10) GRILLED PORK ROLLS (4pcs)...$9.25(yelp.com/biz_photos/pho-…)Like the imperial rolls, these were also kind of small, but better. The veggies were really fresh, but I wish was more pork inside. In part because there was only one piece in each roll, but also because it was just so juicy and flavorful!-- (#1) COMBINATION PHO with Well Done Flank, Rare Beef Steak, and Beef Balls...$13 (Regular)(yelp.com/biz_photos/pho-…)Not bad, but I disagree with the claim that it's one of the best out there. The noodles are well cooked (though there wasn't much), and there is a good amount of meat, but the broth didn't have much depth to it, was a little fatty, and had a hit of acidity (not bad per se, but certainly unexpected).-- (#32) GRILLED PORK & FRIED EGG RICE PLATE...$15(yelp.com/biz_photos/pho-…)Rather underwhelming, to be honest. I came back one last time just for this based on how much I liked the pork roll and I was left wanting (literally). The pork was still decently tasty, but the portion was really light. Plus, I didn't care much for the random pile of boiled cabbage...Beyond the food, Pho Cafe actually has quite a few things going for it. The staff is very friendly, they always seem to have tables free, and parking in the lot is easy (at night, at least). Yet, their most appealing feature just might be their late night hours, as they're open until 10pm on Fridays and Saturdays (9:30pm on other nights). Which isn't necessarily a huge deal in and of itself, but great when considering how there aren't a ton of options around here, let alone ones that stay open past 9pm.All in all, while I wouldn't make a point of coming out here, I wouldn't object to coming back to Pho Cafe if my friends and I were already out this way or looking for a bite before hitting the lanes at Classic. Personally, while I can see why folks like this place (they do a ton of to-go business), as well as an argument for rounding up, I'm rounding down from THREE AND A HALF STARS for now.
Food is just ok. Not great for the price.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 4
My goodness, the laksa vermicelli soup was the star. This savory coconut-based spicy seafood soup was delicious and hit the spot. The fresh spring rolls were also delightful, and the broth for the beef pho was on point. Service is attentive and quick. Our server kept calling us "honey" -- reminded me of an endearing mom. The ambiance is your typical mom and pop pho shop. The decor doesn't match, but does it matter? Also, you know this is a legit pho place if the menu is full of misspelled items, and so I was pleased to see that on the menu. No pretentious stuff. Parking is plentiful, but I don't know what it is about this parking lot area that makes people consistently speed or drive very inconsiderately. One star down for the size of the to-go cup for the three color dessert drink. It's so tiny compared to the size you get from dining in and it's the same price.